The aging process brings physical changes that can lead to sexual dysfunction. But with treatment, men and women can find relief.
Aging Women and Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction refers to any issues that arise during the sexual response cycle, which includes desire and arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. As women age, their bodies change in response to lowering levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These changing hormone levels can lead to sexual dysfunction, which a reported 43% of women struggle with. Dysfunction is most common in women during and after menopause, when their bodies experience the most change. Symptoms can include vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, weak pelvic muscles, and pain during intercourse.
Aging Men and Sexual Dysfunction
Women are not the only ones experiencing sexual dysfunction during the aging process, as 31% of men report some degree of difficulty as well. When men age, testosterone levels gradually decline. This can lead to erectile dysfunction, a common form of sexual dysfunction for men. Erectile dysfunction can also be a result of chronic illness, certain medications, or poor blood flow to the penis.
Treating Dysfunction
Both men and women have treatment options for sexual dysfunction. For women looking to improve their sexual health, one option is the FemTouch laser, which is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, non-hormonal outpatient rejuvenation procedure. With this treatment, fractional CO2 laser beams are applied along the entire vaginal wall, stimulating new tissue growth by triggering collagen production. Collagen gives vaginal muscles their elasticity.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is another possibility for women. HRT can be prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness by replacing the hormones the body is no longer making.
For men, a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction is available. EDWave Therapy generates low-intensity soundwaves to the genital area, improving blood flow to the penis. These waves promote growth of capillaries, which carry blood throughout the body.
The Importance of Sexual Health
Sexual health issues can interrupt the daily lives of individuals and lead to feelings of depression and sometimes even guilt. FemTouch and HRT can improve vaginal health and help women feel more confident. Similarly, EDWave Therapy can relieve the symptoms and treat the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction in men, leaving them happier and healthier.
An Expert Weighs In
